BIG Day Out in your county

PUBLISHED: 17:13 25 February 2009 | UPDATED: 10:30 23 August 2010

ATTRACTION: Canterbury Cathedral

MORE than 17,000 free tickets to scores of Kent s top tourist attractions, cultural and sports venues are to be given away in a scheme supported by your Reporter. From next Tuesday residents in Gravesend will have the chance to register for free tickets

MORE than 17,000 free tickets to scores of Kent's top tourist attractions, cultural and sports venues are to be given away in a scheme supported by your Reporter.

From next Tuesday residents in Gravesend will have the chance to register for free tickets in preparation this year's Kent Big Day Out on Saturday, March 28.

The annual event is organised by Visit Kent at Kent County Council as part of its ongoing bid to support the county's tourism, leisure and hospitality industry.

Fran Warrington, head of Visit Kent at Kent County Council, said: "The Kent Big Day Out has captured everyone's imagination and is growing year on year. The attractions and destinations are keen to showcase their businesses and all the latest developments.

"Residents can really get to enjoy a great day out while learning more about the many places and activities which make Kent such a popular destination."

This is the third year the event has been held in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympics as part of a major campaign celebrating the county's wide variety of visitor attractions and destinations.

And with more free tickets and more venues taking part, this year's Kent Big Day Out will be the biggest so far.

Golf clubs, sports centres and theatres have joined the ranks of the participating attractions, which include castles, historic houses and gardens, steam trains, wildlife sanctuaries and river cruises.

Last year Visit Kent worked with 130 of the county's many attractions, including castles, historic houses and gardens, to make more than 16,000 free tickets available.

And the Kent Big Day Out website had a record 16,483 hits on the ticket launch day - a record number for one day.

Ms Warrington added: "The feedback we had from attractions and visitors for our 2008 Kent Big Day Out event was excellent.

"Ninety-three per cent of visitors said they would recommend the attraction they had explored to their family and friends.

Kent County Council cabinet member Kevin Lynes, who has special responsibility for tourism and regeneration, said: "The Kent Big Day Out goes from strength to strength. This event highlights that on our doorstep we have amazing destinations, beautiful gardens and countryside, as well as activity-based attractions for those who like their days out with added adrenaline."

Visit Kent research shows that the county attracts 45 million visitors every year producing an economic impact of £2.5 billion and supporting more than 50,000 jobs across the county.